William Atkins
Saturday, 30 May 2009 19:08
Science -
Biology
Page 2 of 3
The NIH researchers analyzed 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene sequences from twenty different skin (epidermal) locations on healthy humans.
They found
“bacterial communities” at these sites. Each community was located at a location where they could be best positioned to survive and multiple in numbers.
Some were better adapted on the forearm, where it is relatively dry. Others prefer the armpit, toes, or eyebrows, where it is relatively moist.
The researchers stated,
“The complexity and stability of the microbial community are dependent on the specific characteristics of the skin site.” [Abstract to Paper]
According to
The Los Angeles Times article “
1,000 species of bacteria found on healthy humans,” the study,
“… reflects a growing realization that bacteria have colonized us inside and out -- and that their presence is not only harmless but also probably essential to the proper functioning of the body.”
In fact, the study found that
“Mice bred to be entirely germ-free have smaller hearts and are unable to digest food properly.” [Los Angeles Times]
They concluded,
“This topographical and temporal survey provides a baseline for studies that examine the role of bacterial communities in disease states and the microbial interdependencies required to maintain healthy skin.” [Abstract]
That baseline includes the
Human Microbiome Project, whose mission is to catalog bacteria and other microorganisms that live in and around the human skin, nose, mouth, vagina, and gut.
Page three concludes with specific conclusions from the NIH study.
